Once a bustling hub of northern California commerce, Santa
Rosa's Railroad Square district slipped into disrepair as newer
modes of transportation eclipsed the iron horse. In recent years,
however, things old-fashioned and out-of-date have helped spur a
remarkable revival in the area.

Venerable buildings within this national historic district have
been dusted off and carefully rehabilitated. A large number now house
antique dealers. In others you'll find a brewery, restaurants, and
specialty shops.

Modern forces-a new cafe and club-add flair to the area's
resurgence.

A place to stay, food, entertainment, and antiques-within walking
distance

The historic district is bounded roughly by Sixth Street on the
north, Davis Street on the east, Third Street on the south, and Santa
Rosa Creek on the west. At its heart, directly across Wilson Street
from the old Northwestern Pacific depot and park, is the recently
renovated Hotel La Rose. Built soon after the 1906 earthquake to
accommodate railroad workers and passengers, it retains its period charm
while providing modern amenities. With a new courtyard annex, it has 49
rooms; doubles are priced from $49 to $89. For reservations, call (707)
579-3200.

Hotel La Rose's new owners have also breathed life into the
former Railway Express Agency building just north of the depot.
It's now home to Hogan's Bar & Grill, which offers
inexpensive breakfast and lunch fare daily

You'll find district maps and information at the new offices
of the Sonoma County Convention & Visitors Bureau, south of the
depot park in the old Western Hotel. These buildings around the park
are solidly constructed of massive basalt blocks cut by local Italian
stonemasons. The nearby pits where the blocks were quarried also
supplied paving stones for San Francisco streets.

Another newcomer with roots in the past, the Xcelsior Brewery, 99
Sixth Street, inhabits a former flour mill. The small brewery processes
the contents of its gleaming copper brew kettles just a few blocks from
the site of the old Grace Brothers Brewery an important contributor to
Santa Rosa's early development. Sonoma County, now best known for
its wines, once had its flatland fields planted largely in hops. Open
daily, the brewery has free tours hourly noon to 6.

Also attracting attention at the core of Railroad Square are some
unabashedly trendy new businesses. At 115 Fourth Street the
district's main avenue Polka Dots cafe is decked out in aqua and
glossy black. Cheek by jowl with an antique dealer, it features local
ingredients and wines for lunch and dinner (closed Sundays); (707)
575-9080. And on the corner of Fifth and Davis streets, the Daily
Planet (578-1205) offers live comedy or dancing nightly.

A few blocks northwest, at Donahue and Decker streets, is a rare
round barn used by an early vineyard owner when training racehorses.
Current owners plan to convert the barn into townhouses, incorporating
Santa Rosa's oldest house. Built in the 1850s, the house is on a
platform in the lot next to the barn. To reach the house and barn from
Railroad Square, go northwest on Wilson, turn left on Eighth Street and
cross the tracks, then turn right on Donahue and walk two blocks to
Decker.

How to find the square

Driving north on U.S. Highway 101, take the Downtown Santa Rosa
exit; turn left on Third Street and pass under the highway. Go two
blocks west to Wilson. Driving south on U.S. 101, the Downtown exit
puts you directly on Davis. To reach Fourth, continue straight; to find
Wilson, turn right.

COPYRIGHT 1987 Sunset Publishing Corp.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.